Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Ralf Webb

Ice baths, rare steak and no masturbation: was Walt Whitman the first wellness influencer?

Lift, lift, lift … how Walt Whitman's Guide to Manly Health and Training appeared.
Lift, lift, lift … how Walt Whitman's Guide to Manly Health and Training appeared. Photograph: Ten Speed Press

Men! Do you yearn to be healthy, virile and handsome? To become herculean in stature, and to live a long life while retaining the vim and vigour of youth?

You might consider taking the following steps: daily cold-water plunges. Ditching caffeine and booze. Eliminating carbs from your diet. Controlling your sexual appetites. Getting outdoors. And hitting the gym to lift, lift, lift. Do all this and you’ll be on your way to attaining the “highest powers” reserved for the “robust and perfect man”.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.